McAvennie hits out at corrupt Scottish officials after Celtic latest – ‘it’s not a coincidence’
Frank McAvennie has claimed there is a bias against Celtic in Scottish refereeing.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said there is “no way” it is a coincidence that the Parkhead club have had so few penalties over the years.
The Green and Whites were denied a penalty against Hearts on Saturday (22 October) after defender Michael Smith appeared to handle the ball in the box.
The incident was not checked by the newly introduced VAR official.
As quoted by the Scotsman after the game (23 October), Postecoglou couldn’t understand why opposition managers claim his side “get everything” and said the only penalties his players have taken so far are in training.
It has been 197 days since the Celts were last awarded a penalty which provided the fourth goal in their 7-0 win over St Johnstone back in April.
When asked if fans are right to think that referees are biased towards the Parkhead club, McAvennie told Football Insider: “Yes.
“It has happened for years. When I played, the gaffer used to say we will get nothing off the referee. It is going way back. There is no way it is a coincidence.
“It does not matter that VAR is in. Against Hearts he [Smith] stopped the ball with his hand and we got nothing, and that is with VAR. It is just not right.
“I get how the referees can miss things but not the people watching it. The whole world saw it was a penalty. It is just a laughing stock.
“I just find it strange that we have not had any, especially with the amount of attacking play that they have got. There would be one or two.“
In other news, McManus has called for VAR shake-up amid ‘big’ Celtic controversy claim – ‘they won’t be happy’.